Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs

Written By Grace Park
Published: 09/30/2015Updated: 10/28/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

What is Intestinal Obstruction?

Intestinal obstruction in dogs refers to complete or partial blockage of fluid and food flow through the small intestines. This is somewhat common in dogs as they can be indiscriminate eaters. During obstruction, blood supply to the GI tract can become compromised, leading to necrosis (death) of intestinal tissue and possible perforation. Bacteria from the bowels can spill into the abdominal cavity causing septic peritonitis. Obstruction can be deadly if not caught and treated early. Emergency surgery is often required to remove the obstruction and any dead tissue.

Intestinal obstructions are very painful for dogs and can be fatal if left untreated. During obstruction, blood supply can become compromised, and perforation can lead to septic peritonitis. It is important to contact a veterinarian immediately for treatment options.

Intestinal Obstruction Average Cost

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Average Cost

$3,000

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Symptoms of Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs

Signs of intestinal obstruction in dogs can include:

  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Straining during bowel movements
  • Diarrhea
  • Tarry stools
  • Inability to defecate
  • Lethargy
  • Burping
  • Excessive drooling
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Abdominal pain
  • Remaining still
  • Refusing to lie down
Types

Intestinal obstruction can refer to two types of blockage:

  • Gastric outflow obstruction – Obstruction of fluid and food movement from the stomach to the small intestine.
  • Small intestinal obstruction – Obstruction of fluid and food movement through the small intestine.

Causes of Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs

Causes of gastric outflow obstruction can include:

  • Ingestion of objects that cannot be broken down through digestion. Rawhides, bones, toys, clothes, towels, stuffed animals, rocks, sticks, tennis balls, shoelaces, hair ties/bands and ribbon are some causes for this that can occur.
  • Abdominal tumor
  • Gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and small intestine)
  • Pyloric stenosis (narrowing of the pyloric sphincter)
  • Gastric dilatation volvulus (twisting of the stomach)

Causes of small intestinal obstruction can include:

  • Ingestion of objects that cannot be broken down through digestion. Rawhides, bones, toys, clothes, towels, stuffed animals, rocks, sticks, tennis balls, shoelaces, hair ties/bands and ribbon are some causes for this that can occur.
  • Intestinal parasites
  • Intestinal stricture (narrowing of the intestine)
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Abdominal tumor
  • Hernia
  • Intussusception (folding of the intestine)

Diagnosis of Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs

The minute you see your pet swallow something large, sharp or indigestible, you should visit the veterinarian to decide whether the best action is to induce vomiting. If you don’t see the actual event but are noticing signs, it is critical to see the veterinarian for an examination. A history will determine if the pet has ingested any dangerous item or has gotten into the trash. A physical examination will allow the veterinarian to feel the abdomen to reveal masses, intussusception, pain or foreign objects.

If your veterinarian suspects intestinal obstruction, blood testing can identify anemia or infection. Abdominal radiographs can aid in visualizing foreign bodies, tumors, and abnormal bowels. Ultrasound is another good tool to identify presence of an obstruction and its location.

Your veterinarian may order a Barium series. Barium sulfate is a metallic compound that shows up on x-ray. If the barium is blocked from flowing or is delayed in movement, this can indicate an obstruction and help to pinpoint its location.

If diagnostics indicate an intestinal obstruction, exploratory surgery (laparotomy) can be performed (often the same day) to locate and remove the obstruction.

Treatment of Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs

Induce Vomiting

If your pet is brought in after having ingested something and the veterinarian is able to induce vomiting and produce the foreign object, the pet will be sent home to monitor for appetite, any vomiting and normal bowel movements (to ensure all potential danger of obstruction was eliminated through vomiting).

If you have brought your pet in because of signs of intestinal obstruction, it may be too late for vomiting to be sufficient treatment.

Hospitalization and Stabilization

As intestinal obstruction can be life-threatening. Once diagnosis is made, the pet will be hospitalized and given intravenous fluids to aid in hydration and electrolyte restoration. If an obstruction appears it may pass, the veterinarian may use fluid therapy and medical therapy to attempt to speed up the process. Continued radiographs can help in examining movement of the object.

Laparotomy

Gastric dilatation volvulus requires immediate surgery. Foreign objects or masses that are obstructing the intestines will also often require immediate surgery to remove the object and necrotic tissue. The pet will undergo general anesthesia. The stomach and/or small intestines will be opened to remove the foreign object/mass or to correct any abnormal folding.

Resection and Anastomosis

Any dead intestinal tissue will be identified and removed. The intestines will be closed and examined for possible spots of leakage. If this procedure must be performed, the probability of post-operative complications increases.

Gastropexy

In the case of gastric dilatation volvulus, the stomach may be sutured to the intestinal wall to prevent recurrence. Some deep-chested dogs (great Danes, sight hounds) have this surgery as a preventative measure.

Release

The patient may be hospitalized for 2-3 days to monitor stability as this is an invasive surgery. Antibiotics, pain medications and anti-emetics (anti-nausea medications) will be administered via injection. Oral medications will likely be continued following release.

Prognosis can be good if an intestinal obstruction is caught and treated early. The prognosis is poor if much time has allowed to lapse. Curious about which health plan is right for your dog? Head over to Forbes' breakdown of the best pet insurance providers.

Paying for your pet’s routine shots, bloodwork and tests can also be difficult to budget for. Fortunately, Wag! Wellness plans cover costs for routine care for your pet, getting your money straight back into your bank account within 24 hours. In the market for wellness plans? Compare wellness plan packages to find the right plan for your pet!

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Recovery of Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs

After surgery, it is important to keep your pet still and resting for a few weeks. Food is often withheld for a period of time and then a bland diet is introduced in small amounts every few hours. The portion sizes are gradually increased over 2-3 days and the diet is then transitioned back to the normal diet gradually over 7 days.

It is important to monitor your pet for vomiting, appetite, and bowel movements and report any abnormalities to your veterinarian.

Ingestion of foreign objects can lead to costly veterinary bills.  Keep pets from chewing things they could swallow or tear up and then swallow. Be careful with trash bins. Keep them in a closed closet or use a secure lid.

Cost of Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs

The veterinarian will most likely perform a physical exam first which can cost $50 to $100 on average. The doctor may require blood testing to determine any infections. Blood testing can cost between $50 and $400. An abdominal radiograph may be necessary for a better view of what and where the object is. This test can cost between $150 and $400. If the doctor needs a better view, she may order an ultrasound that can cost $230 to $400. Once the veterinarian has concluded the cause and location of the obstruction, she will start treatment. The dog will need to be hospitalized with intravenous fluids, which can be quite costly, depending on medications needed and response to therapy. If the veterinarian needs to perform a laparotomy, this will require a general anesthesia and can cost between $500 and $5000, depending on how diseased the intestines are. Finally, your dog will need a variety of medications along the way, and once released from the hospital. 

Intestinal obstruction can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your dog has intestinal obstruction or is at risk, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Trupanion. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!

Intestinal Obstruction Average Cost

From 220 quotes ranging from $800 - $7,000

Average Cost

$3,000

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Intestinal Obstruction Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

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Jack Russell Terrier

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Mambo

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10 Weeks

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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
I have a 10 year old Jack Russell Terrier, I can hear his tummy rumbles, but he absolutely refuses to eat until I get home. Then for the last couple of days when he eats, he throws up. He is still drinking, has plenty of energy to play, no blood or tarry stools. How long do I wait to take him to the vet. I can not promise he didn't eat some of the wild grape vines in the backyard.

July 26, 2017


0 Recommendations

I would take him to see your Veterinarian because the cause of the vomiting could be due to an obstruction, congenital defect (aortic arch) or irritation to the gastrointestinal tract which could be infectious, poisonous or systemic in nature. If you suspect he ate some vines or anything else, again you should visit your Veterinarian. Not eating when you’re not at home is common occurrence in dogs (my own included, as soon as I get home he jumps to say hello and then goes to eat). Again, visit your Veterinarian (may include x-rays) and if you have an indication of the time between eating and vomiting, this would be useful to assist in the diagnosis; also if Mambo hasn’t yet been vaccinated, start the process if he is healthy enough. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

July 26, 2017

My dog’s situation is similar, I guess. I know what he ate, but he kept throwing up. His behaviors were normal, and his stool was fine. But, they said it was likely a partial blockage, which should resolve itself with the help of a low fat and low fiber diet for a little while. I’m still really nervous but I hope this helps you.

May 26, 2018

Bethany B.


Since my pup was 9 weeks Throwing up bile not eating lethargic Might get a sonagramme tried everything else under Vet care

Aug. 1, 2018

Berghorn S.

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Samson

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6 Months

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4 found this helpful

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4 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
If a dog has a blockage how long before we notice symptoms?

July 26, 2017


4 Recommendations

There is no fixed timeframe for symptoms of an obstruction to occur, there are multiple factors involved including cause of obstruction, size of obstruction, location of obstruction and if there is any ischemia of the intestines. Signs to look out for are lack of appetite, vomiting after eating, diarrhoea, weakness and pain. If Samson has only diarrhoea, this may be caused by multiple causes: infections, poisons, dietary changes for example; ensure that he remains hydrated. If you suspect Samson ate a foreign body, the diarrhoea gets worse or you see additional symptoms, you should visit your Veterinarian immediately. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

July 26, 2017

Girdardia test. I had same thing to happen.

July 26, 2017

Shelia P.


Hi I have A Yorkie my son let her out accidentally she osc'arin 6 months and she has been having vomiting and bloody diahreeah took her to the vet and she came out negative for parvo or parasites she was keept overnight and was given iv aND medicine took hey home with no improvement her stools are steel bloody buthe now have blood clots. At the beginning she thru up horse manure I figured that's what made her sick. I'm scared to loose her I'm already out 400 dlrs but can't afford hospital

July 26, 2017

Carolina H.


My labradoodle was the same.. had to have exploratory surgery. They checked his stomach thinking he ate something he shouldnt have according to the xray but found the stomach was empty. Looked at his intestines and saw they were not moving at all and were a gray purple color instead of healthy pink. They untangled them and his heart rate dropped to more normal and they started to get more color and start moving again. He would have died. He is still not out of the woods but i hope he is on hos way to a full recovery and will be healthy.

Sept. 5, 2017

Tasha S.


my dog swallowed his bumble bee toy two weeks ago and just suddenly stsarted throwing up one morning, then all day.. i opted for fluids and anti-nausea at first ($165) and brought him home. That night and the next morning his breathing got heavy and he seemed very uncomfortable, restless.. I took him back to the emergency vet and they ran blood work and did an x-ray ($500). They say his stomach looks distended and he has has pockets and it’s obvious the problem is a blockage and he’s going to need surgery. Took him to my regular vet at half the cost but he needed the extra bit of intestines taken out so to have the surgery and meds it was $1900. Then they all suggest he stay overnight at a place to be monitored and given pain meds and that COULD cost up to $900 but i had to pay the low end $596 as a deposit. Now here’s to hoping i can bring him home today. I will stress that he showed absolutely no signs until all of a sudden he starts throwing up, he was pooping regularly even up until taking him in! i also wanted to comment to show people how expensive it was for my little 19lb Lhasa.. the numbers in the article must not be adjusted for this century.

Feb. 3, 2018

Andrea L.


The Veterinary costs posted above are not accurate. I have a dog in surgery right now for an exploratory laparotomy. First 24 hours (pain meds, IV fluids, observation and radiographs) were estimated $1300-1400. The vet just called me, and dog is going into emergency surgery for a foreign body in small intestine and sharp decline in dogs well being. Surgery estimate was $2800-5500.

Aug. 7, 2018

Nancy C.

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Intestinal Obstruction Average Cost

From 220 quotes ranging from $800 - $7,000

Average Cost

$3,000

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